Pope Leo XIV Issues Groundbreaking Encyclical on AI and Slavery

Pope Leo XIV released his first significant theological document titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), emphasizing the need for the “disarmament” of artificial intelligence (AI) and providing an official apology for the Catholic Church’s historical ties to slavery.

During a presentation at the Vatican on Monday, the Pope, originally from the U.S., drew a connection between the historical injustices of slavery and the rising influence of AI. He cautioned that without ethical guidelines for technological advancements, society may face new forms of exploitation.

On the integration of AI in daily life, he remarked, “Artificial intelligence already touches many areas of our lives and affects decisions that shape human coexistence.” He added, “I feel entrusted to look upon another huge transformation with eyes of faith, with lucidity of reason, with openness to mystery and with cries of the poor and the earth resounding in my heart.”

This encyclical hits close to home for Pope Leo — he noted his family’s dual background as descendants of both enslaved individuals and slave owners. In this context, “Magnifica Humanitas” challenges the Vatican’s longstanding oversight regarding its role in the slave trade.

Expressing deep remorse, the Pope stated, “It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord.” He concluded with, “For this, in the name of the church, I sincerely ask for pardon.”

The encyclical also addresses current issues, proposing urgent steps to uphold the “grandeur of humanity” amidst rapid technological change and the increasing militarization involving AI. He underscored the necessity for strict ethical limits in this area.

In a notable shift, Pope Leo XIV declared the traditional Christian “just war” theory—used for centuries to guide moral military intervention—as “now outdated.” Instead, he argued that military action should only be justified for “self-defense in the strictest sense.”

Criticizing the normalization of global violence, he emphasized that “The construction of a world in a state of perpetual conflict is an evil and must be named for what it is.” He encouraged the global Catholic community to embrace more effective methods for conflict resolution, like dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness.

Ultimately, he framed the ethical oversight of AI as crucial to prevent repeating past moral failures. While human dignity has traditionally been a cornerstone of Church teachings, he pointed out that it took centuries to fully reconcile this concept with the reality of slavery.

Pope Leo acknowledged that the historical delay in recognizing this conflict “constitutes a wound in Christian memory, one from which we cannot consider ourselves detached.” He called on the Vatican to firmly denounce human trafficking and modern exploitation in the digital age.

Furthermore, he urged the Church and global leaders to take decisive action now to “avoid needing to ask for pardon again in the future for failing to respect the treasure of human dignity that our faith requires.”